Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia W. Bartram

Oakleaf hydrangea, Oak-leaf hydrangea

Synonym(s):

A mound-shaped shrub, 3-12 ft. tall. Multiple stems are sparingly branched with picturesque canes. Older stems are exfoliating to reveal a rich, brown inner bark. The showy inflorescence of greenish flowers, turns white then purplish and persists on the bush until mid-winter. The foliage, shaped something like that of red oak, becomes colorful in fall.

Bloom Information

Distribution

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium Light Requirement: Shade Soil Moisture: Moist Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2) CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium Soil Description: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Conditions Comments: Susceptible to sunscald, chlorosis in alkaline soils, and winter dieback. Many weak, brittle canes are easily broken in wind and ice. Forms colonies from a shallow root system. Canes can be cut to the ground every two or three years to keep the shrub smaller, but if the canes are allowed to grow, the naturally peeling bark is attractive. Pest free. Prune immediately after flowering.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Low. Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken early. Asexual propagation is the usual means of propagation because of a wide variability in seedlings. Seed Collection: Not Available Seed Treatment: Seeds require no sepcial treatment but need careful handling because they are so small. Commercially Avail: yes

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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Native plant to replace invasive non-native nandina in HoustonFebruary 28, 2010I'm just now finding out that Nandinas are an invasive species from our local chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. I have three of them in my front yard and want to replace them. Can you sug... view the full question and answer

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